“I cannot put into words how grateful I truly am to all those that supported our efforts during the 2017 Thanksgiving in July initiative,” said Dr. Bryne.

Following the vandalism earlier in the year at Kumler Outreach Ministries AlignLife of Springfield decided to revisit the nonprofit, to which it donated more than 800 non-perishable food items in 2015.

Kumler Outreach Ministries, located at 303 N Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL, meets people where they live, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, helping clothe people, teaching life skills and building relationships. The food pantry, clothing ministry, and medicine program reach thousands of people each year in the city and surrounding area.

Sharon Brown, Kumler Outreach Ministries executive director, and her team provide support to those who need it most in the community 365 days of the year. Donations to the food pantry slow down in summer, which is typically its busiest time of the year. But tend to pick up again in the run up to Christmas.

Individuals or families in need of the nonprofit’s services are typically referred to the food pantry via a social service agency.

As well as non-perishable food items, of which canned chili, peanut butter, and spaghetti sauce are most needed currently, the organization is also asking for donations of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and diapers in sizes four, five, and six.

If you would like to make a donation to Kumler Outreach Ministries food collections can be made between 9am and 12noon Monday to Friday and from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the third Friday of each month.

For more information about the organization and its work call 523 2269, visit kumlerministries.org or check out the Facebook page.